In this book, the spectacular development of a digital telecommunications infrastructure in one of the world’s most advanced industrial nations is being reviewed. Starting with the university network JUNET in 1984 the work covers the mobile Internet, wired access and backbone systems, all the way through broadband applications and today’s residential broadband traffic. Japan has established one of the richest Internet environments and undertakes an aggressive R&D activity on both the New Generation Network “NGN” and the new Internet Protocol “IPv6”.In 2007, it was reported that in the cellular phone system in Japan, the total volume of data traffic became larger than that of voice traffic. The telecommunication infrastructure is converging with the broadcasting infrastructure: 2011 is designated as the first year of the full digital age. Towards 2011, the following technical challenges are foreseen: the development and deployment of an end-to-end architecture on the existing complex IPv4 based Internet; development of a Japanese infrastructure, which is globally competitive and globally interoperable; development of new applications and new business models in the ubiquitous networking environment; development of Internet systems as a social infrastructure; integration with the real-space (i.e. integration of physical space and cyber space); NGN (Next Generation Network) and FMC (Fixed Mobile Convergence); and development and deployment of the unwired Internet environment. This work looks into the challenges and opportunities now faced: it is a must reading for communications and media experts, policy makers and the general public interested in the digital infrastructure.

This book shows how telecom, broadcast, and Internet researchers as well as experts from Japan's leading mobile operators interpret, analyze, and evaluate the emerging phenomenon of the Japanese broadband ecosystem. The broadband ecosystem, as it rapidly changes against the backdrop of swift technological progress, is forcing major changes in the existing socioeconomic framework and generating many policy issues that require discussion. The book aims to provide a theoretical and practical framework for policymakers to address these issues from a broader perspective than has been available in the past. The topics addressed in this book cover sharing of 5G infrastructure, online platform regulation, diffusion of autonomous driving, content industry, trends and use cases of 5G, capacity development for AI, ride-hailing service, smartphone games, the right to be forgotten, and the economic value of personal information. Although this book cannot provide definitive answers to all these recently emerging and rapidly changing issues, it does provide important guidance for evidence-based discussion involving policymakers and researchers working on these issues. It is also recommended for graduate students who want to enter this challenging field of policy discussion.

The author is a recognised authority on broadband in Japan The book will be of interest thos those researching in the following areas: economics, telecommunications policy, industrial organization, economic regulation, and competition policy Japan is at the forefront of the telecommunications industry and its experience is relevant to other developed economies

This book provides a detailed description of Japan’s telecommunications policies. It discusses how Japan has addressed a variety of policy challenges ranging from traditional regulatory issues, such as the provision of a universal service, to the latest tasks, including the promotion of cutting-edge technologies. Japan is a global leader in information and communication technologies (ICT). In addition to technological advances, an impressive nationwide optical-fiber and advanced mobile network infrastructure has been developed, which has boosted the economy and benefited society. The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) has played an important role in ICT deployment. Japan has a unique ICT policy framework that does not separate regulation and promotion, unlike many other countries, which have an independent regulator. However, since relatively little information has been provided in English, it has been difficult to learn much about Japan’s policies. Written by specialists from MIC, industry and academia, this is the first collaborative work to provide a comprehensive discussion of Japan’s ICT policies, allowing readers to gain an understanding of the topic.

Broadband Optical Access and Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) will provide the ultimate broadband service capabilities. Compared with the currently well-deployed broadband access technologies of ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line) and Cable Modems, optical broadband access with Fiber-to-the-User’s home will cater for much higher speed access for new services. Broadband Optical Access Networks and Fiber-to-the-Home presents a comprehensive technical overview of key technologies and deployment strategies for optical broadband access networks and emerging new broadband services. The authors discuss network design considerations, new services, deployment trends and operational experiences, while explaining the current situation and providing insights into future broadband access technologies and services. Broadband Optical Access Networks and Fiber-to-the-Home: Offers a comprehensive, up-to-date introduction to new developments in broadband access network technologies and services. Examines the impact of research and development in photonics technologies on broadband access and FTTH. Covers ADSL, VDSL with FTTC (Fiber-to-the-Curb), Cable Modem over HFC (Hybrid-Fiber Coax) and Gigabit Ethernet. Discusses the roles of Broadband Wireless LAN and integrated FTTH/Wireless Broadband Access as well as Broadband Home Networks. Provides a global view of broadband network development, presenting different technical and system deployment approaches and strategic considerations for comparison. Gives insight into the worldwide broadband competition and the future of this technology. Broadband Optical Access Networks and Fiber-to-the-Home will be an invaluable resource for engineers in research and development, network planners, business managers, consultants as well as analysts and educators for a better understanding of the future of broadband in the field of telecommunications, data communications, and broadband multimedia service industries.

This book presents a citizen-centric perspective of the dual components of e-government and e-governance. E-government> refers to the practice of online public reporting by government to citizens, and to service delivery via the Internet. E-governance represents the initiatives for citizens to participate and provide their opinion on government websites. This volume in the Public Solutions Handbook Series focuses on various e-government initiatives from the United States and abroad, and will help guide public service practitioners in their transformation to e-government. The book provides important recommendations and suggestions oriented towards practitioners, and makes a significant contribution to e-government by showcasing successful models and highlighting the lessons learned in the implementation processes. Chapter coverage includes: Online fiscal transparency Performance reporting Improving citizen participation Privacy issues in e-governance Internet voting E-government at the local level